What size tires are you guys running on the 18" wheels?

[Cobra4B]

What size tires can these cars fit on the 18s? 295s?

[RacingIsLife]

Think big! If you dream it, you can fit it!
We are running 305s on 11" wide fronts, and 325s on 12" wide rears.
Or in Michelin sizes... 29x65 front and 31x71 rear.

The fronts fit with proper offset, a little body trimming, and reduced turning ratio (but plenty for on track usage). We installed new steering stops on the rack accordingly.

Th rears stick out a little, and we needed to cut back the body mounting bracket, but other then that they are great!

Go Big! You won't regret it!

[Racer9007]

"Think big! If you dream it, you can fit it!
We are running 305s on 11" wide fronts, and 325s on 12" wide rears."

Running 325 in the rear are not legal in SCCA-- be careful, too wide cross section, and changes track measurement out of spec.

if you dont run SCCA-- doesnt matter I quess

[Racer9007]

We run 285 645 18 front and 305 645 18 rear

[panozracing]

racer9007 - do you think a GTS can actually win GT2? Our experience in the southeast is that the other cars in the class have too much for the GTS? That is why we switched to NASA ST1.

[boothkc]

Brian,
looks like Matt is selling his 2 cars...so maybe not!

We do all right in the SF Bay area in GT2, but only 'cause there isn't too much competition in GT2. Last race I had my PBL (personal best lap) 1:59 and a GT3 997 Porsche (also GT2 in SCCA) did a 1:54 and killed me. I don't think there is anyway to shave 5 seconds of the Panoz to stay in the race. The Viper World Challenge cars run a little faster than me 1:57s but they are GT1.

So Porsches driven well are killers.....too bad they cost so much. Not to mention the tube frame Nissans etc.

I think we'd have to add a 100hp and get rid of 300# to make it work.

Kevin
GTS & GTRA

[panozracing]

You hit it on the head Kevin. Down here in Florida there are a TON of 997's and the GTS cannot touch them! The 996 we had a chance. We lost all hope when the 997 came out and still are considered GT2. Why cant the GTS get some new model upgrades like the 997 did? We have 500 FWHP (450 @ the wheels) and larger tires plus some aero and that seems to be enough for the 997's but it is STILL very tough. Then you look at what some pros do in the 997 and they are 10 sec faster. So, thats why we went to NASA. Better rules to deal with leveling the field. Plus you get more track time for practice and qualifying. SCCA was never as much fun for us as NASA plus we could only win SCCA when the fast 997's dont show up. What fun is that?

We ran 2:14's and 15's at sebring before the larger front tires, gearing changes and aero changes (we havent gone back yet). I expect to be 2:13's and lower when we go back. The 997's can break 2:10 which I dont think the GTS can do? Frustrating and unfair. I dont see how any of these guys would consider running SCCA against those odds. Not too mention the Nissans....

[Racer9007]

I do feel the car is competetive with the 996 cup cars and most of the other GT2. I have raced with most of the front runners in the SCCA, and all on the west coast. My Panoz out ran John Black (2nd at runoffs) in Reno, Portland and Seattle. Jim (3rd and 4th at runoffs)Walsh and I race back and forth each winning equal times during a season. I got tenth at the runoffs. I also did not have good tires, Pirelli miss shipped us the wrong tire, should of done much better. So I think they are competetive, but do deserve some upgrades.

[Racer9007]

Also Topeka sucks for the Panoz, because of the back half autocross section

[Blue Streak 21]

I ran my first race with NACA up at Pueblo last month. I found the group to be well organized and the drviers to be a fun group. I ran the car in PTA. That's where they put me, as there were no ST2 entries. I guess it fits in both categories as I'm under the 8.7:1 (weight to hp) ratio.

It was my first time at Pueblo, and I ended up first in class and second overall on Sunday. Okay so there were only 2 of us in PTA, but the 240 SX (turbo) was a ton faster than me on Saturday. From Saturday to Sunday I improved 3 seconds per lap, and that got me to be much more competitive.

I received an invitation to Nationals up at Miller. I'm trying to get everything lined up to go. ANyone else thinking of towing that far for the race?

Jerry

[panozracing]

I would love to go but its REALLY far for me. I want to Mid-O last year and it was AWESOME. You are half way there you should go.